I've been advertising on Facebook. Facebook isn't for everybody I'm sure, but man! They have advertising figured out!

I would have thought the bright colorful graphics would have gained the most attention, but it was a simple image of the game on a dark table that was most successful.

The most interesting thing about their system is the ability to target and A/B test your ads. In doing so I was very surprised what caught people's attention. That ad in particular was getting 10% click through!

I can't say that the packaging for boardgames has ever really been a factor in my choices. While I might take it off the shelf and investigate the content if something is eye catching. Game purchases are usually more based on investigation, input and or actual play.

Thinking about it, I can only recall one purchase that was entirely based on packaging and had nothing to do with any knowledge of the product, and that was when I bought the "Aquabats Vs the Floating Eye of Death" cd. Big fan of the band at this point, but it was like they designed the cd cover with me in mind, just to get me to listen to them.

The side of the box. Most flgs put them on the shelf like books. A beautiful cover never gets seen unless the side screams pick me up. I typically investigate my buys, but an eye-catching side certainly can influence what I'll read about.

I generally don't buy games from brick-and-mortar stores. My first eye-catching experiences are usually on BGG. I look at the images of the games (particularly the board, cards, tiles, and box cover). Then, I usually watch a video or two. Games with colorful artwork are very eye-catching. One of my favorite box covers is Qin. The colors just seem to jump right off the cardboard.

Considering the high ranks for Agricola (currently #4) and Caverna: The Cave Farmers (currently #7), board game players are pretty...tolerant when it comes to first impressions by box cover art - which is indeed a really good thing.

If the box is too eye catching, I automatically have a negative feeling toward the game. Obviously they chose form over function. Felt that way about Abyss upon first seeing the box. After watching a play through, though, I'm poised to purchase.

If the box is too eye catching, I automatically have a negative feeling toward the game. Obviously they chose form over function. Felt that way about Abyss upon first seeing the box. After watching a play through, though, I'm poised to purchase.

This means that, for you, a game can not play and look good at the same time, let alone also have a nice box illustration ?

No negative undertone intended, just asking and trying to understand your view here.